The Atlas of Tomorrow

The Atlas of Tomorrow: A Device for Philosophical Reflection is an interactive installation that translates the ancient Chinese "I Ching" divination text into a public tool to help people examine their lives. Passersby think of a question or situation in their life where they seek clarity, and then give the wheel a whirl. Once they see which specific I Ching character they got, they match it to one of sixty-four stories displayed at the sidewalk level to interpret their guidance.

This installation injects a device for philosophical thinking into our public spaces and challenges the potential of what a mural can do. Permanently interactive, it is a tool for collective reflection, encouraging self-realization and communal kinship for the entire Philadelphia community. Inspired by simple machines, public clock towers, and tools for well being, The Atlas of Tomorrow is a magical, modern-day oracle in the public realm that encourages us to contemplate our inner struggles and improve our well being together.

This work was organized by the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program in collaboration with Broad Street Ministry and theDepartment of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services. Muralist Candy Chang conceived of, designed, and painted the mural content; James Reeves wrote the interpretation stories; New American Public Art created the interactive spinning dial.